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 enlarge | Brand: Nikon
Category: Photography
List Price: $749.99
Buy New: $634.89
You Save: $115.10 (15%)
New (16) Used (7) Refurbished (2)
Avg. Customer Rating:  268 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Fragile: No
Batteries Included: No
Optical Zoom: 11.1
Maximum Focal Length: 200
Minimum Focal Length: 18
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.5
Dimensions (in): 4 x 6 x 9
Warranty: 1 Year Warranty + 4 Years Extended Service Coverage - 5 Years of Protection Included directly from Nikon USA
MPN: 2159
Model: 2159
UPC: 182080215984
EAN: 0182080215984
ASIN: B000BY52NU
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Brand new in retail pack, shipping same day with ups.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Product Availability at Amazon October 6, 2006
21 out of 114 found this review helpful
This has to be my worst experience dealing with Amazon. I reserved this item on May 20th, and got several emails pushing the availability date out (I even got an email once that the product is available to ship but that my credit card had expired, but by the time I put ina new card, they informed me that it is now "back at the end of the line" as that is what happens when you change anything, voluntary or not). Finally I received an email today that "we have cancelled your order since we can't get it for you from our sources!".
I guess the lesson I learned is that never order anything in high demand or not available to ship immediately from Amazon. Meanwhile I could have bought the item from several vendors (bestbuy, circuit city) at about $100 more than Amazon, but now they are all sold out. Serves me right for faithfully waiting for Amazon to come through.
I can't rate this item as I don't have it, but I guess I can rate the experience trying to buy it from Amazon.
 Very Nice Amateur Lens, Sharp, Small, Quiet September 14, 2006
48 out of 49 found this review helpful
I have to chuckle to myself when I read some of the reviews for this lens. It has inspired fans to heights of ecstasy - praising its qualities to the sky. We all know that photographers can get emotionally attached to their art and a good lens really does ignite a spark in the soul.
I like my 18-200 a lot and it is one of the most versatile lenses out there. It is usually the glass I reach for when I plan to travel light. It covers so many focal lengths (about 28-300 in 35MM world) that you would have to be doing specialized work to need a wider or longer range. It focuses smoothly and quickly on both my D70S and D200. But the proof of the pudding is in the pictures and this lens makes sharp pictures with good color.
The VR is useful for dampening out the shake from the photographer but remember, at 1/20 of a second, your subject's motion can affect the image's sharpness as well - example, wild flowers in a breeze. 1/20 sec won't freeze motion.
A few nits to pick - because it's an amateur lens (no insult intended), it is relatively slow with only an f:5.6 max at 200mm. Also, when you zoom, the lens grows. Not only does that make the lens clumsy to use but it exposes the barrel to dust and moisture (I had a heck of time keeping mine dry on a whale watch boat). And my lens, after only a few months, has loosened up enough to "zoom out" by itself while I carry it. I think that's almost unacceptable.
So, on the plus side we have, ED glass, big zoom range, VR technology, Nikon quality and a good price. On the negative side we have slowness and an extending lens barrel. Overall, it translates to a winner for me. I don't think it's the best lens Nikon has ever made but if it is the best lens for your kind of shooting then you are a lucky photographer.
The perfect replacement lens September 7, 2006
27 out of 30 found this review helpful
Prior to my purchase of this, I was shooting with the Nikon 18-70mm (DX) and Sigma 70-300mm (35mm). Changing lenses was always a chore and the issue of sensor dust gets more prominent with each lens change.
The 18-200mm is a very sharp lens at all focal lengths. The slight barrel distortion at 18mm is hardly an issue to me as my shooting varies over all the focal lengths. The DOF at f/3.5-5.6 is sufficient enough to isolate the subject from the background.
Being a user of the Nikon Coolpix P4 before I switched to a D70s, I'm glad to have VR back. VR-II works as advertised and allows me to shoot at up to 4 stops lower than could have otherwise been possible. This is invaluable for long range shots.
The Best Nikon Lens EVER September 5, 2006
11 out of 25 found this review helpful
Been a Nikon user since the 60's and this is without a doubt the best piece of glass they've ever produced.
Get one in your hands as soon as possible .. you won't be sorry!
Outstanding lens but keep this in mind ... August 11, 2006
54 out of 55 found this review helpful
As of now, this lens is out of competition. Canon doesn't have 18-200 zoom offer and some other vendors don't match the Nikon quality and features.
The lens is fast, quite, VR works great so this is an outstanding product without any doubts.
A lot of people plan to use it as their primary day to day lens, but keep in mind, it feels pretty much as heavy as Nikon D50 camera itself. So if you plan to carry it casually for a day on your shoulder, it might be less enjoyable then you expect.
Also, it's an expensive high quality glass, so you should consider keeping some high quality filter all the time as a protective measure.
Overall - it's probably by far the best all purpose lens for Nikon DSLRs you can get in this price range. In fact, if you are trying to decide between Canon and Nikon low/mid range DSLR, that lens could be a crucial factor to go with Nikon D Series.
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